Course Catalogue

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The course examines the origins, nature and effect of our assumptions about society and schooling, gives an historical review of philosophical and theological perspectives on education, and examines contemporary Christian approaches and other religious approaches to education.

Weekly 2 hour lectures, one hour seminars.

Satisfactory completion of Morality and Belief in the 21st Century.

Students are required to make poster presentations individually on topics agreed with them by the course leader. Presentations will be assessed on:

■ Clarity of exposition of the philosophical ideas

■ Evidence of further reading and research into the thinker in question

■ Coherence in applying the philosophical ideas to the realities of education in contemporary society. 

■ Clarity of communication

■ Management of the discussion

In preparing for these presentations, each student should build a folio of evidence of research, which should reflect the aims and outcomes of the course. Students must use the feedback given on their presentations to inform their work on a 3000 word essay, which should:

■ Contain a reasoned articulation of the student's educational philosophy

■ Be informed by the thinkers studied, both in the course and in prior education studies

■ Cover substantially different material from the presentation

To provide students with a practical theology and philosophy of education, to develop an understanding of the relationships between philosophy, theology and education in the context of a rapidly changing world.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Demonstrate knowledge beyond the immediate demands of the curriculum, in communication with others.

■ Demonstrate an understanding of a range of philosophical and theological perspectives on education.

■ Critically reflect on these perspectives.

■ Apply theological principles or concepts to educational issues.

Minimum of grade D3 is required.